Rome [Italy], July 24: Two people have been killed and at least 13 injured, including children, following the collapse of a balcony in the Scampia suburb of Naples in Italy, the fire brigade said on Tuesday.
The concrete and iron parts killed a 29-year-old man and a 35-year-old woman who lived in the social housing estate, the fire brigade said.
Several children are among the at least 13 injured, media reports said. Two of them, aged 2 and 4, are in a life-threatening condition.
Many scenes from the Mafia TV series "Gomorrah" were filmed in Scampia a few years ago.
The accident occurred late on Monday evening shortly before 11pm (2100 GMT). Many residents were outside due to the high temperatures. According to the emergency services, a balcony on the fourth floor of the building collapsed, bringing down two other balconies with it.
There were panic-like scenes in the building. According to the emergency services, several of the injured are in a critical condition. At least seven children between the ages of 2 and 8 are among the injured. It remains unclear why the balcony could no longer bear the load.
More than 800 residents had to leave their homes as a precaution and spend the next few hours outside.
The suburb of Scampia is considered a stronghold of Mafia families. Gang crime and drug dealing are widespread.
Many of the buildings in the neighbourhood were built in the 1960s and 1970s. According to Italian media reports, the house in which the accident occurred was built in 1975.
Source: Qatar Tribune
